Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Rod Review: A Great Investment

Benjamin Moxley
Sep 28
3 min read

Introduction

When I started fly fishing, one of the biggest questions I had was simple: What rod should I buy first? After months of research, I landed on the Orvis Clearwater. It’s relatively affordable, durable, and designed with beginners in mind, but still offers enough performance to keep up as your skills improve. After one year of fly fishing from the Aidrondacks to the Rocky Mountains, here’s my honest take.

Product Overview

The Orvis Clearwater fly rod is part of Orvis’s entry-to-mid level lineup. I debated between the Encounter and the Clearwater, but the reviews I read on the Encounter were not good. The Clearwater is one step up and didn't make me as uneasy when making this investment. It comes in a wide range of weights and lengths, I went with an 8'6" length, 5 weight. The Clearwater sells for just under $300, which isn't bad for a rod backed by Orvis’s 25-year guarantee.

First Impressions

Right out of the tube, the Clearwater feels sturdy but not clunky. The cork grip is comfortable, and the matte finish gives it a modern look. It doesn’t feel like a “cheap” beginner rod, which is what I was worried about at this price point. It felt like Orvis quality without the price tag of some of the more advanced Orvis outfits.

Performance

I’ve fished all of the country in my first year learning to fly fish. Casting feels smooth and forgiving — it doesn’t punish small mistakes, which is huge for someone still learning. The rod has enough backbone to handle wind and longer casts, but it still bends nicely when fighting trout. For me, the balance feels great but it's hard to give an honest review of the performance because I have nothing to compare it to. It's a great rod for a beginner, I've caught fish and that's the point, right?

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Affordable price for Orvis quality
Wide range of sizes for different waters
Smooth, forgiving action (great for beginners)
25-year Orvis guarantee

Cons:

Slightly heavier than premium rods
Not as sensitive as higher-end options for tiny dry fly work
The price is higher than other beginner rods from companies not named Orvis

Value for Money

At $298, the Clearwater is one of the best values in fly fishing. It’s not going to outcast a $900 Helios, but it’s not trying to. This rod is about getting you on the water with gear you can trust, without breaking the bank. This rod can last you a lifetime if you take care of your equipment.

Who This Rod Is For

The Orvis Clearwater is perfect for:

Beginners looking for their first real fly rod
Anglers who want a reliable backup rod
Anyone fishing a variety of waters, from small streams to bigger rivers

Final Verdict

The Orvis Clearwater fly fishing rod is the ideal starting point for most anglers. It’s affordable, versatile, and backed by one of the most trusted names in fly fishing. While it’s not the lightest or most high-tech rod on the market, it does exactly what it should — helps you learn, improve, and enjoy your time on the water.